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Antoine Dupont marked his return to international XVs with a dominant victory over Eddie Jones’ Japan to open France’s Autumn Nations Series.<\/b><\/p>\n
Dupont, who won Olympic gold<\/a> with the France sevens team in July, was playing his first game in international XVs since his side’s devastating home World Cup quarter-final defeat<\/a> by South Africa last October.<\/p>\n Having spent 2024 focusing on sevens, the former World Player of the Year played 66 minutes and looked sharp throughout, having a second-half try ruled out.<\/p>\n In a dominant first half, wing Louis Bielle-Biarrey crossed for two tries, with fellow 21-year-old Emilien Gailleton also scoring.<\/p>\n After flanker Alexandre Roumat grabbed the third try, returning star Dupont combined with Peato Mauvaka to send the hooker over.<\/p>\n Prop Jean-Baptiste Gros powered over for a score, while La Rochelle’s Paul Boudehent crossed twice in a clinical performance.<\/p>\n Jones’ Japan, who recently were hammered by New Zealand<\/a> in Yokohama, showed massive improvement in the second period and scored tries through fly-half Harumichi Tatekawa and replacement Tevita Tatafu.<\/p>\n Fabien Galthie’s side will now face New Zealand in a rematch of the opening game of last autumn’s World Cup next Saturday.<\/p>\n Elsewhere, Argentina provided a timely reminder to Friday’s opponents Ireland that they cannot be taken lightly after a 50-18 victory over Italy<\/a> in Udine.<\/p>\n Fly-half Tomas Albornoz, who plays his club rugby in Italy at Benetton, scored 20 points to guide the Pumas to their biggest victory over their Six Nations opponents.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n